The Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025 have just concluded and the winners have been announced at a glamorous awards ceremony. The prestigious event, held at the Grand Hotel in Folkestone, was attended by the who’s who of the food and drink industry in the region. The evening was filled with excitement, anticipation, and delicious food as the winners were revealed and celebrated for their culinary excellence.
The Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards, now in its tenth year, recognizes and rewards the best of the best in the food and drink industry in the region. From traditional pubs serving hearty meals to fine-dining restaurants offering innovative gastronomic experiences, the awards cover it all. The winners are chosen through a rigorous process, with a panel of judges evaluating each entry based on criteria such as quality, presentation, taste, innovation, and customer service.
This year’s awards received a record number of entries, making the competition tougher than ever. But the winners have truly stood out among the rest, showcasing their passion, dedication, and talent for food and drink. The awards ceremony was a true celebration of their hard work and achievements.
Among the winners was The Kentish Inn, located in the quaint village of Canterbury. The traditional pub, known for its warm hospitality and classic British dishes, won the award for ‘Best Pub Food’. The judges were impressed by the quality of the food, which was described as “simple yet delicious” and “bursting with flavor”. The owners of The Kentish Inn were overjoyed and humbled by the win, expressing their gratitude to their loyal customers and hardworking staff.
In the fine-dining category, The Garden Room stole the show, winning the award for ‘Best Restaurant’. Located in the heart of Maidstone, The Garden Room offers a unique dining experience with its beautiful garden setting and exquisite menu. The judges were blown away by the creativity and attention to detail in each dish, making it a clear winner in this category. The team at The Garden Room were ecstatic to be recognized for their efforts and promised to keep pushing the boundaries of fine dining in the region.
But it wasn’t just about the food this year. The awards also recognized the best in the beverage industry, with The Hop House winning the award for ‘Best Local Brewery’. The family-owned microbrewery, based in Tunbridge Wells, was praised for its range of handcrafted beers and its commitment to supporting local farmers and businesses. The Hop House team were thrilled with their win and raised a glass to their loyal customers and fellow brewers in the region.
The awards ceremony also honored individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the food and drink industry. The ‘Chef of the Year’ award went to James Brown, head chef at The Angel Inn in Whitstable. James has been instrumental in elevating the pub’s menu to new heights, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award was given to Mary Smith, owner of The Tea Room in Tenterden. Mary has been running the quintessential English tea room for over 40 years, offering delicious homemade cakes and a warm welcome to all her customers.
The evening was not only a celebration of the winners, but also a reminder of the vibrant and diverse food and drink scene in Kent & Medway. With each award winner representing a different style, taste, and experience, it is evident that the region has something to offer for every palate.
As the event came to an end, the atmosphere was filled with positivity, inspiration, and a sense of community. The winners, now armed with their well-deserved awards, are ready to continue their culinary journey, pushing boundaries and delighting taste buds. The Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025 have truly raised the bar for excellence in the region, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for the food and drink industry here. Congratulations to all the winners and here’s to many more award-worthy years ahead!